Fernandez ready for Fulham game, says Alonso

Manager Xabi Alonso says he expects Enzo Fernandez to be available to face Fulham in Chelsea’s Premier League opener at Craven Cottage on Monday.

The Argentine midfielder has been linked with a move this summer.

And although Chelsea’s deadline for Manchester City to match their valuation of £120m recently passed, speculation over Fernandez’s future has continued – and City’s interest remains following their sale of Rodri.

Fernandez, 25, was booed by some Blues fans during the 3-1 pre-season friendly victory over Real Sociedad on Saturday and Alonso stopped well short of a definitive answer about the player’s future.

But he said: “He is training really well. He is integrated. He is a top player and we are happy with him. He’s getting ready for Monday”

Alonso also said veteran forward Danny Welbeck could be involved despite having not taken part in full training this week.

“He can be involved,” Alonso said. “He has had a couple of days not training that much because of a little thing, but we expect him to be involved.”